Nick Robertson's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs appears uncertain as he has been deemed available for trade ahead of the NHL deadline. Despite his scoring prowess, the team may look to move him rather than secure his long-term presence. Meanwhile, John Tavares, a key player for Toronto, is also in a precarious position regarding an extension. Talks have been ongoing, but no immediate agreement is on the horizon. The Leafs are prepared to let the situation develop further, allowing Tavares to remain without a contract beyond the deadline.

On the trade front, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly considering the sale of Jake Evans and Joel Armia, with multiple teams expressing interest, including the Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and New Jersey Devils. The Jets' interest in Armia may pivot them toward adding depth rather than major pieces, showcasing a strategic approach as the trade deadline approaches.

The Montreal Canadiens are facing a critical decision on how to utilize their last salary retention slot. With players like Jake Allen and Jeff Petry still on the books, the team aims to maximize their return on potential trades involving Joel Armia, David Savard, and Christian Dvorak. There’s speculation around whether the Canadiens will retain salary for Armia's $3.4 million or Savard’s $3.5 million to entice suitors, especially given Dvorak’s $4.45 million cap hit as a UFA.

Dvorak, 29, has been suggested as a possible trade candidate, but his performance and financial considerations make it a delicate situation. Pagnotta believes Dvorak might remain with the Canadiens due to the balance of his production versus salary. Meanwhile, players like Armia and Savard could be more attractive to teams looking to bolster their rosters before the deadline.

The Washington Capitals are reportedly eyeing potential additions from the Montreal Canadiens ahead of the NHL trade deadline. With cap space available due to their LTIR pool, they may pursue players like Jake Evans and Joel Armia to bolster their depth. The Capitals have already made strides this season with the acquisition of Lars Eller but remain focused on further enhancements. ESPN analyst Dave Pagnotta suggests that the Capitals could add a mid-six caliber forward or a veteran defenseman to strengthen their chances in the playoffs.

Given their current standing as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals have the resources to make strategic moves. Armia, with a $3.4 million cap hit, and Evans at $1.7 million could fit well within their financial framework, allowing for some flexibility for other deals. The Capitals' general manager, Brian McClellan, has been discreet in his dealings but is certainly exploring options to deepen the roster.

The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for potential trades as the season progresses. Key candidates like Joel Armia and Jake Evans are likely to attract mid-round picks or even first-round offers, respectively. David Savard might yield a second-round pick, while Josh Anderson, with two years left at $5.5 million, could draw interest depending on the return, especially if it doesn’t require extra assets.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are on the lookout for depth. After adding John Klingberg, they might seek further blue-line reinforcement, particularly a left-handed defenseman due to concerns about injury depth. Additionally, a bottom-six forward is also a priority. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' usage will influence their decisions, with names like Jordan Greenway coming up in discussions.

The Montreal Canadiens are evaluating their trade options as they navigate a challenging stretch, having lost eight of their last nine games and sitting six points out from playoff contention. With Jake Evans potentially facing a future without a contract, his emotional remarks about his tenure with the team have raised eyebrows. It's suggested that he and others could be traded soon, particularly as the Canadiens weigh their approach to both rentals and bigger hockey trades.

Reports indicate that the Canadiens are setting high prices for players like Evans and Joel Armia, reflecting a strategy rooted in past experiences. Montreal's management is keen on making impactful deals rather than settling for draft picks, which could reshape their roster significantly.